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The IRS loves to audit people who claim charitable deductions. The reason is that there are very strict record-keeping rules when it comes to charitable deductions and most people are not aware of them so the IRS usually finds a way to disallow the deduction, which of course triggers increased taxes, penalties and interest. Do not let this happen to you.

Generally, to claim a charitable contribution deduction for gifts of $250 or more in cash or property to charity, donors must get a written acknowledgment from the charity. This is usually not a big deal. For donations of property, the acknowledgment must include, among other things, a description of the items contributed. Typically the place you donate the property gives you a blank receipt. So you need to fill it out and make sure you list all the items donate. You also need to determine the value of the property contributed if it is not cash, which sometimes can cause problems if the amount determined is incorrect.

The IRS loves to audit people who claim charitable
deductions. The reason is that there are very strict record-keeping rules
when it comes to charitable deductions and most people are not aware of them so
the IRS usually finds a way to disallow the deduction, which of
course triggers increased taxes, penalties and interest. Do not let this
happen to you.

Generally, to claim a charitable contribution deduction for gifts of
$250 or more in cash or property to charity, donors must get a written
acknowledgment from the charity. This is usually not a big deal.
For donations of property, the acknowledgment must include, among other things,
a description of the items contributed. Typically the place you donate
the property gives you a blank receipt. So you need to fill it out and
make sure you list all the items donate. You also need to determine the
value of the property contributed if it is not cash, which sometimes can cause
problems if the amount determined is incorrect.